A number of constituents have contacted me as part of the
campaign ‘URGENT: protect renters from eviction during COVID-19’
I am pleased that the government has announced a radical package
of measures to protect renters and landlords affected by coronavirus. As a
result, no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out
of their home during this difficult time.
Emergency legislation will be taken forward as an urgent
priority so that landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict
tenants for at least a 3 month period. As a result of these measures, no
renters in private or social accommodation needs to be concerned about the
threat of eviction.
Recognising the additional pressures the virus may put on
landlords, we have confirmed that the 3 month mortgage payment holiday
announced yesterday will be extended to landlords whose tenants are
experiencing financial difficulties due to coronavirus. This will alleviate the
pressure on landlords, who will be concerned about meeting mortgage payments
themselves, and will mean no unnecessary pressure is put on their tenants as a
result.
At the end of this period, landlords and tenants will be
expected to work together to establish an affordable repayment plan, taking
into account tenants’ individual circumstances.
To support this announcement the government has worked with the
Master of the Rolls to widen the ‘pre-action protocol’ on possession
proceedings, to include private renters and to strengthen its remit. This will
support the necessary engagement between landlords and tenants to resolve
disputes and landlords will have to reach out to tenants to understand the
financial position they are in.
The government will also issue guidance which asks landlords to
show compassion and to allow tenants who are affected by this to remain in
their homes wherever possible. The National Housing Federation and Local
Government Association have welcomed the new support for social renters and
made clear that no one should be evicted because of the coronavirus.
This important step on buy to let mortgages ensures parity of
support, further to the announcement yesterday that the government made for
private mortgage holders.
We are also announcing that those who have benefited from a
government backed Help to Buy equity loan will be offered interest payment
holidays if they are struggling to pay due to coronavirus.
